Leonard George Marks: Noble Son

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Leonard Marks: Source Book of Honour via FindMyPast

Leonard George Marks was born and raised in Newcastle, enlisting in his local regiment the Northumberland Fusiliers. However he was later transferred to the 17th Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment upon being made Lance Corporal in which he served until his death aged 24, in 1918.

Leonard was born in April 1894 to parents Simeon and Henrietta Marks. His father’s profession was noted as ‘Jewellery Dealer’ and it presumed he ran a family business. Leonard lived with his family and three servants at 84 Fern Avenue between 1901-1911. He had four siblings: James Albert (b.1894), Harold Victor (b.1896), Rose (b.1905) and John Barnstone (b.1908). His eldest brother James worked in the family business as a jeweller assistant in 1911, while 16 year-old Leonard was a junior clerk.  

Leonard was enlisted in his local regiment, the Northumberland Fusiliers at the outbreak of World War One. It was the second largest infantry regiment of the British Army which had two Tyneside battalions as well as a headquarters in Newcastle. He was a private and his service number was 33954.

It was recorded that Leonard was later transferred to the 17th Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment. His service number was changed to G or GS/26028 and he was promoted to Lance Corporal. The reason for this is unknown, however it is assumed it was due to the exigencies of war.

Leonard was made eligible for the WW1 Victory Medal but was sadly killed on the 12th October 1918. He died while serving in France at the age of 24. He is buried at Ration Farm Military Cemetery, la Chapelle d’Armentieres, France, Plot 8, Row A, Grave 31. He has a Jewish memorial and the inscription says ‘He was a noble son and did his duty well, God rest his soul in peace Amen’. He has since been mentioned in the British Jewry Book of Honour which suggested he was recognised as part of the Jewish community.

This page was researched by Diana Wilkins. Sources include: We Were There Too, Census, British Jewry Book of Honour and FindMyPast.